After listing the bulk of these “hard times,” events that had proved Paul’s faithfulness to Christ, his tenacity to the Gospel … he adds a final word of affirmation.

“The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.” 2nd Corinthians 11:31

The verb “to lie” is “pseudomai” in Greek. It, of course, means “to speak falsely.”

Of all the things Paul has related, from the stoning to the shipwrecks, none have been fabricated. All are events of history.

The very fact that Paul felt impressed, indeed forced, to utter such a statement … (“God knoweth that I lie not”) … proves that he has been accused (likely over and over again) of being untruthful.

And remember, these “trials,” these “hardships,” serve as Paul’s “badges of commitment,” clear “signs of determination” … many “evidences” of his genuine faith in Jesus.

But even here, Paul blends PRAISE to God along with his statement of fact. “The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore …”

The word “blessed” is “eulogetos” in Greek. It actually means “well spoken.” Then exalted, commended, honored, (indeed) worshipped!

So, ultimately, in a text that appeared to be all about Paul … the Apostle turns its emphasis and now it is … ALL ABOUT GOD THE FATHER AND HIS DEAR SON, JESUS CHRIST!

This is so very Pauline!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell